Turkey symbolizes with Blue Mosque, Taksim Square, hot air ballooning at Cappadocia and Bosphorous Bridge. Along with all these, Turkey is also famed worldwide for its vast and spectacular national parks. Featuring sprawling biodiversity and wildlife; the national parks in Turkey attract plethora of tourists, particularly nature lovers and photographers and surely leave them in awe. Read on and plan to explore and enjoy nature’s bounty all by yourself.
National parks in Turkey wildlife-lovers must explore
Visit these 10 national parks in Turkey to explore the rich flora and experience the natural world like you never have. These parks are a nature lover’s delight and a must-visit for everyone who’s looking forward to go to the country.
1. Aladağlar National Park – Paradise for backpackers and trekkers
Being one of the best national parks in Turkey; the Aladağlar National Park was established in 1995. Located 30km from Yahyali, this is a part of South Turkey and sprawls over 55,000 hectares. Aladağlar locally means crimson mountain and refers to the reddish tinge of Taurus Mountains at the backdrop. Featuring red pine, black pine and fir; this park is the home to wild boar, Capra ibex, wolf weaser and coyote. Stretching from Kayseri province to Adana province, this place is a backpacker’s heaven and popular for trekking, hiking, camping and trout fishing.
Location: 51660 Demirkazık Köyü/Çamardı/Niğde, Turkey
Opening hours: Round the clock
Tickets: Entry free
Best time to visit Aladağlar National Park: February to April and October to December
How to reach Aladağlar National Park: The park is located right beside the main highway from Nigde to Kayseri, so accessibility is easy and hassle-free. One can also drive from Yahyali.
Places to stay in Aladağlar National Park: Aladağlar Mountain Hostel, Tauras Guest House and Aladag Dag Otel.
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2. Köprülü Canyon National Park – With a stunning backdrop
Köprülü Canyon National Park is a sprawling stretch of bioreserve, with a striking backdrop of Köprülü
Canyon. Established in 1973, this piece of wilderness is located by the turquoise blue Koprucay River, surrounded by canyons on both sides. As one of the most popular national parks in Turkey, this place overwhelms everyone with its jaw dropping rustic look, especially with the Oluk Bridge on Koprucay River. Other than oak, pine and fir trees, Köprülü Canyon National Park is also tagged as the largest cypress forest of Asia minor. Camping and trekking are common here but one can also enjoy thrilling rafting in the river as well.
Location: Bozyaka Mahallesi, 07550 Manavgat/Antalya, Turkey
Opening hours: Round the clock
Tickets: Entry free
Best time to visit Köprülü Canyon National Park: Spring season; from March to May
How to reach Köprülü Canyon National Park: This park is 40kms from Antalya and one can drive down.
Places to stay in Köprülü Canyon National Park: Eko Motel and Eco Family Park. But if you wish to stay in Antalya, there are many options like Alp Pasa Boutique Hotel, Elips Royal Hotel and Rixos Downtown
3. Lake Beyşehir National Park – Witness the spectacular beauty of the lake
With 140 flora varieties and 16 plus species of freshwater fish and numerous birds; Lake Beyşehir National Park proudly retains its place in the list of Turkey National Parks. Perfectly set by the largest freshwater lake of Turkey; Lake Beyşehir, this wetland comprises of juniper, cedar, oak, walnut and fern trees and this thick forest cover add up to the charm of the place. Popular for mountain biking, Lake Beyşehir National Park is in the wish list of all nature lovers, photographers and adventure junkies.
Location: Karadiken Mahallesi, Beyşehir Derebucak Yenişarbademli Yolu, 42700 Beyşehir/Konya, Turkey
Opening hours: Throughout the day
Tickets: Entry free
Best time to visit Lake Beyşehir National Park: May to October
How to reach Lake Beyşehir National Park: State Highway connecting Konya and Isparta runs through the national park.
Places to stay in Lake Beyşehir National Park: Atapark Otel Restaurant Camping and Ali Bilir Otel.
4. Nemrut Dağı National Park – The historical national park of Turkey
Nemrut Dağı National Park is unique, beautiful and surreal. Unlike other national parks in Turkey, Nemrut Dağı National Park is known for the isolated gravel covered mountain and numerous pitilessly staring statues, at the foothill, dating back to 1st century BC. Located at an elevation of 2106 m, people climb up to Nemrut Dağı peak to enjoy the breath-taking view.
Location: Karadut, Turkey
Opening hours: Throughout the day
Tickets: Entry free
Best time to visit Nemrut Dağı National Park: Plan to visit Nemrut Dağı National Park between May and September. During these months, the roads to the summit are snow-free and easily accessible.
How to reach Nemrut Dağı National Park: Drive down either from Kahta or Malatya
Places to stay in Nemrut Dağı National Park: Gunes Motel, Nemrut Kervansaray Hotel and Euphrat Hotel.
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5. Göreme National Park – The view that will make your jaw drop
One of the most popular and must-visit places in Cappadocia, Turkey is Göreme National Park. Among all other national parks, Turkey has in store, this one surely stands out. Listed as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, Göreme National Park showcases diverse landscape and historical structures. From cave houses, rock cut chapels, churches and fairy chimneys to underground cities and volcanic rock formations; Göreme National Park features everything that will leave you in awe. If you are planning to go for hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Göreme National Park.
Location: Goreme, Turkey
Opening hours: Throughout the day
Tickets: INR 6316/person
Best time to visit Göreme National Park: April to May and September to October.
How to reach Göreme National Park: You can walk for about 20 minutes from Cappadocia city centre to reach the national park.
Places to stay in Göreme National Park: You can stay at any hotel at Cappadocia but if you wish to stay close to the national park; check Stone House Cave Hotel, Walnut House and Hostel Terra Vista.
6. Beydağları Coastal National Park – A pre-historic national park by the sea
With Tauras Mountain at the backdrop and several limestone and serpentine rocks, scattered here and there; Beydağları Coastal National Park is another name in the group of best Turkey National Parks. Surrounded by pine, cedar and oak trees; this area is the favourite habitat of ancient tribes of Olympos, Phaselis and Idyros. Tahtalı Dağı is the tallest mountain here and Yanartaş the burning gas field, located at the foothill enhance the charm of the place. Enjoying a coastal location, this place is dominated by marine animals of Mediterranean ecology and the park has few spectacular beaches ideal for day picnic and adventure sports.
Location: Arslanbucak Mahallesi, 07980 Kemer/Antalya, Turkey
Opening hours: 8 am to 7 pm
Tickets: Entry free
Best time to visit Beydağları Coastal National Park: Spring and autumn. i.e from March to May and September to November.
How to reach Beydağları Coastal National Park: Take a public bus or hire a private cab from Antalya and drive for 45 minutes to reach Beydağları Coastal National Park.
Places to stay in Beydağları Coastal National Park: Himeros Beach Hotel and Han-de- Homes
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7. Kazdagi National Park – Paradise for nature lovers
Situated in the Balikesir province, Kazdagi national park is surrounded by Gulf of Edremit at the north coast of Aegean Sea. Formerly known as Mount Ida, Kazdagi mountain was established in 1994 and is the highest mountain of the region, hosting 68 endemic and rare plant species and rich varieties of wildlife like wild boar, wolf, deer, fox and badger. Though the place offers ample exciting activities like trekking, mountain biking, horse riding, jeep safari and swimming, the amazing forest trails, hot springs, nature’s serenity and jaw dropping view of the Edremit Bay, makes it one of the favourite places to see in Turkey.
Location: Edremit, Balikesir, Turkey
Opening hours: Round the clock
Tickets: Entry free
Best time to visit Kazdagi (Mount Ida) National Park: May to September
How to reach Kazdagi (Mount Ida) National Park: The national park can be accessed by No 230 highway from Balikesir (92 km), and the 24 Highway from Bursa.
Places to stay in Kazdagi (Mount Ida) National Park: Omur Hotel, Gure Termal Resort and Ramada Resort Kazdagi Thermal & Spa
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8. Altinbesik Cave National Park – Experience thrilling caving
If caving entices you; head to Altinbesik Cave National Park in Turkey. A part of Taurus Mountain, these partly active limestone caves of Altinbesik Hill enhance the beauty of this national park in Turkey. One can explore the natural beauty of the vast wilderness, while boating in Manavgat River, flowing by the side.
Location: Ibradı/Antalya, Turkey
Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm
Tickets: INR 45/person
Best time to visit Altin Besik Cave National Park: Summer months; from June to September.
How to reach Altin Besik Cave National Park: Altinbesik Cave National Park is accessible by an hour -long trek from Urunlu to Altinbesik Cave, via the Antalya – Ibradi – Urunlu road.
Places to stay in Altin Besik Cave National Park: Ormana Active and Aysenaz Hanim Konağ
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9. Kackar Mountains National Park – The rainy forest of Turkey
Perched at an elevation of 3972 m, overlooking the Black Sea; this is the moist rainy forest of Turkey
with rich flora and alpine meadows. Bordered by Firtina River and Hemsin River; this place is the home to varied wildlife as well. One can explore this place and spot wildlife like jackals, marten, wild boar, roe deer, stoat, weasel, hare, raptors, songbirds and wild rooster or indulge in camping, hiking and heliskiing.
Location: Alparslan Türkeş Cd., 06560 Rize, Turkey
Opening hours: 24 hours
Tickets: INR 3633/person
Best time to visit Kackar Mountains National Park: July through September
How to reach Kackar Mountains National Park: The park can be accessed from Rize, Trabzon and Artvin.
Places to stay in Kackar Mountains National Park: Ayder Yaylasi, Bored Board and Ayder Villa de Pelit Hotel
10. Yedigöller National Park – Heaven for photographers
Adorned with 7 beautiful lakes namely, Buyukgol, Deringol, Seringol, Nazligol, Sazligol, Incegol and Kucukgol, formed due to avalanches, Yedigöller National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks, Turkey has. Comprising of pine, beeches and mehoganies trees, the real beauty of the park reflects with change of colours of the vegetation in different seasons. People enjoy nature’s trail, fishing and camping here.
Location: 14030 Yedigöller/Bolu Merkez/Bolu, Turkey
Opening hours: Throughout the day
Tickets: Entry free
Best time to visit Yedigöller National Park: Spring and Fall season. March to April and September to November.
How to reach Yedigöller National Park: The national park is 42 km from Bolu and can be reached via the Yenicaga road, 152 km off the Ankara – Istanbul highway.
Places to stay in Yedigöller National Park: Soylu Hotel, Habitat Mesire and Karpalas City Hotel and Spa
Further Read: 24 Superbly Awesome Hotels & Resorts in Turkey For A Memorable Holiday
Next time, when you are planning Turkey holiday with Travel Triangle, make sure to include your favourite national parks in Turkey in the itinerary.
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
